University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS) Reviews
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Amanda from Romeoville, IL
06/09/2009Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
6 out of 7 people found this review useful. 1 of 23
Categories Comments Tips for prospective students Research and visit as many schools as you can so you are confident in your decision. Start early - junior year is ideal!
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Samantha from Palatine, IL
12/12/2010Reviewer is A current student here.
6 out of 6 people found this review useful. 2 of 23
Categories Comments Great for these types of students I would recommend this school to anyone who wants to attend a smaller school, but still get a great education. The other University of Illinois campuses are much bigger, and here in Springfield you get much more one on one time since there are not as many people in classes. So, it is a really good school for those who may need a little more attention and who like learning in a smaller classroom environment.
Tips for prospective students I would look into multiple schools and start in high school. People tend to wait when looking at schools and that can cause a rushed decision that you may regret. So, really investigate everything about the campus and choose a school based upon which can really fulfill your needs and/or wants. Also, if you end up choosing UIS, or any campus for that matter, I would recommend getting involved on campus in either sports or organizations. It makes things more fun and it's a great way to meet people.
Bang for the buck It is the cheapest of the University of Illinois campuses, and yet you still get the U of I education.
Am enjoying being here The students here are all really nice. I live in the on-campus town homes and they are so nice! Living on campus is a great way to meet new friends, making everything so much more fun here. The campus throws so many different events that there is always something to do.
Am learning a lot The professors are great! They are very accommodating and always willing to help. They are also very educated on the topics they teach making learning more interesting.
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Heather from Bloomington, IL
03/10/2011Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 3 of 23
Categories Comments Tips for prospective students research all schools and make sure to visit and compare prices.
Bang for the buck its the cheapest U of I degree
Will learn a lot the teachers are here and are amazing and are always there to help.
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Cory from Petersburg, IL
05/07/2011Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 4 of 23
Categories Comments Tips for prospective students Watch deadlines, and put your best foot forward.
Bang for the buck I am still a little worried about paying for college, but that would be the same for every college. As far as price goes, it really isn't that bad at all.
Will enjoy being here Everything about the UIS campus, and atmosphere feels right to me.
Will learn a lot The facilities for learning are perfect for me. The library is awesome, and the honors program has an excellent tutoring program.
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Brianna from Carrollton, IL
11/15/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 5 of 23
Categories Comments Great for these types of students A lot of athletes enjoy being here, as well as more academically inclined students.
Tips for prospective students Check into what this school has to offer for your major, do not rely on the fact that the dorms are air conditioned and that freshmen can have cars (which are both really awesome things). Make sure you will be able to stay here for days on end and that you feel comfortable here.
Bang for the buck This college is the cheapest of the three University of Illinois campuses, but you still get that U of I degree. You will have small class sizes, professors who know your name, and you will always see familiar faces around campus.
Am enjoying being here You have to make your own fun here, as it is not a very large school. Many activities are provided, and there is some outside campus life as well.
Am learning a lot I am still taking general education courses, or ECCE courses as they are called here. These courses are in a variety of fields and may not be specific to your intended major. The ECCE courses are intended to give you an overview of many topics.
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Ayla from Marengo, IL
05/16/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 6 of 23
Categories Comments In three sentences For every major I've tried to pursue, this school had all of them. I've seen pictures of the campus, and it is just beautiful. What I like most about how it is described is that it is a public college cost with a private college size.
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Breah from Blue Mound, IL
01/05/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 7 of 23
Categories Comments What to do for fun Depending on the time of year, the campus has different activities, but you can also see a drive in movie, shopping, ice skating, roller skating, plays, and different activities downtown.
Food and Dining Springfield has not only fast food restaurants which are found closer to campus, but there are also some nicer restaurants as you get closer to the downtown area and shopping areas.
Dorm Life I'm a commuter so I can't relate to this subject.
Academic Rigor After graduation, your diploma still says you graduated from the University of Illinois.
Tips for prospective students If your looking for a small campus where you will know most of the students in your class this is the place to go. It's more of a commuter campus, because there is not much dorm life from what I have heard.
In three sentences This is a nice small campus. Most of the teachers here are always willing to help you if your struggling in their classes, but there is also a student center to help you if your teacher is unavailable.
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Erin from Mapleton, IL
03/15/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 3 people found this review useful. 8 of 23
Categories Comments Campus Safety I do often see cops around campus, and I have no issues with feeling unsafe when I'm there.
Clubs and Activities I am only involved in the band program, which is not very big. We certainly don't sound too good either; my high school band was a lot better. However, UIS does have a good basketball team, and I hear good things about the other sports as well.
Great for these types of students Students who commute and won't be spending much time on campus
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus There is nothing special about this campus.
Bang for the buck Tuition wasn't too bad, but there's just not much to do, and the classes are pretty typical. Textbooks also cost a lot, some of which I never even used.
What to do for fun There isn't much to do for fun. The campus does have a gym, but that is mostly full of excercise equipment. I've seen gyms with pools, rock-climbing walls, raquetball courts, and in general more options for excercise. The gym at UIS doesn't have much, unless you want to run or lift weights. Besides the gym, there isn't anywhere else on campus you can go to have fun, unless you like going to the library and reading books during your free time. I don't even count Stars Lounge, since all there is to do there is play video games.
Food and Dining There really aren't that many places to get food on campus, and no matter where you go, there is a lot of the same food. I've been trying to eat healthy, but the food on campus doesn't really allow for that. There is a salad bar, but I tried it once and something about it tasted strange to me. For the past few weeks, I've only enjoyed eating the soup from the cafeteria. Everything else is not that great.
Dorm Life The only plus about the dorms is the fact that residents don't have to share a bathroom with the entire floor. There is one bathroom per four students. This is nice, but other than that I do not enjoy dorm life. I feel like I was not matched with a good roommate, and we did have an issue with mice getting into the dorms. The rooms are also extremely small. When I toured the campus, I was shown a room that was bigger and had a high ceiling, which I really liked. However, it turns out that those are only the first-floor rooms, several of which have been turned into offices for professors. I ended up with a very small, cramped room with a low ceiling. I can hardly stand being in there.
Academic Rigor I do find the classes to be challenging so far, and I am only a freshman. There are some classes that are pretty easy, and others that require a lot of effort. It really depends on what you choose to take.
Tips for prospective students This would probably only be a good school for you if you are already a resident of Springfield. There really isn't much to do on campus, so if you plan to live in a dorm, you're going to get pretty bored. Also, I don't recommend enrolling in the Honor's Program. My grades in those classes are pretty good, but I find them to be a complete waste of time.
In three sentences The only good thing about this college, for me, was the small class sizes. Other than that, the campus is not located within walking distance of any other part of Springfield, and the Honor's Program requires classes that I believe to be pointless. There also isn't much to do around campus, and I am completely unhappy when I am there.
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Shelly
05/22/2012Reviewer is A past student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 9 of 23
Categories Comments Campus Safety They are super strict!!!
Greek Life NONE!!! :(
Clubs and Activities SAC is the best group ever!!
Great for these types of students Small town students
What to do for fun Be part of a committee! Actually go to campus events.
Food and Dining Everything is pretty tasty!!
Dorm Life They are super nice. Although they are kind of strict, I loved living here.
Academic Rigor I worked hard in HS, so UIS was super easy. Teachers are also pretty forgiving.
Tips for prospective students Get involved!!!! I was part of SAC and while being part of that committee I finally loved UIS. Also keep an open mind!!!
In three sentences UIS is a very small school. To have a good experience, live on campus. To not be bored, get involved!
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Lui from Lynnwood, WA
05/25/2012Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has not been to campus.
10 of 23
Categories Comments In three sentences Judged from my own apply case, I can tell UIS is a school seriously consider students' leadership experience and speciatly. With not sound but acceptable GPA and ACT, but with official rating is top ranked in United States Chess Federation and winning several national titles, as well as school club leadership experience, I was admitted.
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Claude from Chicago, IL
07/02/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
11 of 23
Categories Comments What to do for fun Students usually go Stars Lounge to hang out, chill, study, and play video games and board games.
Food and Dining UIS has some great areas to get food, such as the Food Emporium, the Late Nite Grill, and Stars Loungue.
Dorm Life The dorm life is great. There are nice dorm rooms, loungues, and bathrooms. There are even great study areas in the dorm buildings.
Academic Rigor The classes are great at UIS. They provide great opportunites for experience and networking. It's very easy to create great professional relationships with the professors.
Tips for prospective students 1. Don't procrastinate. 2. Know your priorities. 3. Be responsible at all times.
In three sentences UIS is one of the greatest colleges I've ever known. The academic resources are amazing. The overall campus life here is just outstanding.
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Amy from Springfield, IL
07/06/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
12 of 23
Categories Comments Great for these types of students UIS is great for students who want to attend a four year college, but are more comfortable in a smaller college setting.
What to do for fun UIS has many activities for students.
Food and Dining UIS has a great cafeteria.
Dorm Life I lived off campus.
Academic Rigor I was worried about keeping up with assignments at a four year college, but I found myself not overwhelmed by assignments.
Tips for prospective students Begin the application process a couple months in advance. If you are in need of financial aide be sure to find out about deadlines for paperwork that will need to be submitted.
In three sentences UIS has been a great place to further my education. One on one assistance from professors is wonderful and UIS provides many other help services for students.
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Anonymous
07/12/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
13 of 23
Categories Comments What to do for fun Every year their is a week called Springfest. This is the one event on campus you do not want to miss! You create a team and each day of the week you compete in a contest. Events include: trivia night, scavenger hunt, chant contest, community service day, spaghetti dinner, and sports day.
Food and Dining You have two options to go for food. The food imporium has many options. They have a grill where you can get burgers, chicken, french fries, etc. They also have a salad bar, a deli, cooks nook (which is your homemade meals), and showtime (oriental food). You can also go to the Lincoln dorm hall for pizza and fried food.
Dorm Life The dorms at UIS are very nice. You and your roommate will share a bathroom with your suitemates. Therefore, there are 4 people sharing one bathroom. This is much better than community bathrooms. There are two dorm building. Each is three stories tall. They are both new and modern.
Academic Rigor The professors at UIS are great!! They all care about their students and will know your name. You are not just a number.
Tips for prospective students Make sure you are okay with knowing everyone in your graduating class because you will! There is not much public transportation so be sure to bring a car or a bike.
In three sentences UIS is a small liberal arts university located in Springfield, IL. The campus is smaller in size but very modern and beautiful. UIS creates good teacher to student relationships.
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Julia from Morris, IL
07/15/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
14 of 23
Categories Comments Campus Safety Campus safety is great. There are blue safety poles throughout the campus as well as having our police station on campus. As a small campus, if there is an issue an officer can be to your location in about 30 seconds.
Clubs and Activities There are over 100 clubs at UIS and it is very easy to start a new one if you want to. The clubs are highly involved and frequently put on expos so that you can see what they are up to and get involved if you are interested.
Great for these types of students University of Illinois at Springfield is great for students who like a more intimate atmosphere with smaller classes and easy access to all professors.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The biggest tradition at University of Illinois at Springfield is Springfest. Springfest is a week-long competition where students compete in teams for the championship. Activities in Springfest include trivia night, scavenger hunt, sports day, and many others.
What to do for fun There are many opportunities to have fun on campus. There are always events happening at nights and on weekends as well as being in the heart of the Springfield community there is always downtown.
Food and Dining The quality of the food is great as well as the variety, but the prices do tend to run on the high side. Most students have a meal plan so the prices are not as big of an issue, but for some it can be a problem.
Dorm Life The dorms are great. There is an excellent community in our dorms and people are always coming up with great things to do. The housing facilities are also very nice with a housing staff that is present and available to help any time you need them.
Academic Rigor As a Clinical Laboratory Science major the course work is challenging and demanding, but everything that we learn and do is directly related to future careers that you can get right out of school.
Tips for prospective students Prospective students need to get involved as quickly as possible when they get to school. There are lots of awesome opportunities on campus and getting involved helps you to have fun and meet new people.
In three sentences University of Illinois at Springfield is the best school I could have asked for. Everything about the campus, the academics, and the environment meets my needs and I am very happy here. University of Illinois at Springfield is a great school that offers a lot of opportunities for its size.
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Jocelynn from Westchester, IL
08/07/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
15 of 23
Categories Comments Tips for prospective students Be smart, work hard and guarantee you'll be successful coming out of here.
In three sentences This is a great school. I love this school. You should strongly consider coming here.
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Shayna from Springfield, IL
08/16/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
16 of 23
Categories Comments What to do for fun Off campus fun
Tips for prospective students Prospective students should explore all opportunities offered at UIS and never hesitate to ask for help when needed
In three sentences I really like this campus. The atmosphere is very calming. The staff is always very helpful.
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Destiny from Springfield, IL
10/23/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
17 of 23
Categories Comments Greek Life No Greek Life
Clubs and Activities There are many clubs and activities here. If there is no club or activity that is not here people will create it. Also dodge ball is every Tuesday and Thursday.
Great for these types of students For the students who want to make a lot of friends and like a smaller Campus, Springfield is the school for me.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The Fountain is a nice hangout spot on campus.
What to do for fun Go to the on-campus events and participate in activities.
Food and Dining Springfield has the best food ever and if you get tired of it, you can always go off campus where there is actually some good restaurants.
Dorm Life Dorm Life is the best espically when you get along with your roommate.
Academic Rigor Some academics here are hard
Tips for prospective students If you are trying to come to Springfield make sure you manage your time, be organized and prepared, and also make sure you show up to all of your classes.
In three sentences University of Illinois at Springfield is a smart school feel with educated teachers and students. There are wonderful majors here. The graduation rate is high and the students here are amazing.
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Online Student
11/30/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
18 of 23
Categories Comments Tips for prospective students Make sure to look up instructors before signing up for class. Some of them have very poor teaching skills.
In three sentences Great online program for computer science. The career center is very helpful as well.
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Jena
01/06/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
19 of 23
Categories Comments Campus Safety There have been a few issues on campus, but nothing terribly frightening. The campus is small enough that there aren't any bad walks, except to the parking lot.
Greek Life Not interested in Greek Life, so I do not have a clue.
What to do for fun The Student Lounge often has fun things going on. There are a good amount of things to do. There are a lot of events, so there is always something to do.
Food and Dining I am a picky eater, but the PAC has super nice workers and a nice variety. They offer some interesting specials that gives you a chance to try lots of different stuff. The Student Lounge has good cheap food, but Founders does not have very nice people working there and doesn't have that good of food.
Dorm Life Decent sized rooms, but there needs to be more control. The RA's are useless. Many people run around and make it so I can't sleep. There is the quiet hall, which I plan to move to next year so I can sleep without all the wild stuff.
Academic Rigor The classes are fairly good so far, some of the teachers are not the best. Many of them really aren't interested in teaching I have found. There are some really helpful ones though. You just have to make the right connections.
Tips for prospective students Get as many scholarships as you can and make sure to do your research to see if the honors program is right for you, because it is quite odd.
In three sentences Decent so far. Honors program not that as great as it was put out to be.
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Take from a freshman
01/07/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
20 of 23
Categories Comments Campus Safety The cops are normally around and with such a small campus, it isn't too bad. Have heard of a few issues though.
Greek Life Have no knowledge of.
Clubs and Activities If I had time there are plenty of clubs that I would love to join. If you don't like what is there, can always start your own. One of my freshman friends did.
Great for these types of students Great for students from smaller towns. You are on the edge of Springfield, but everything is within reach. The cornfields are close, so us country people can feel at home. All the kids from Chicago are bored, but us country kids love it there.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The stairway to nowhere is a must to find!
Bang for the buck Is expensive, but not as much as the other schools in the area. Financial aid seems to not be even, but it happens.
What to do for fun You can easily head into town for some fun, or there are plenty of activities on campus to keep everyone busy. Also the student lounge has pool tables and video games.
Food and Dining The PAC people are super nice and very helpful. I am a picky eater and find the selection great. They offer more homemade food at showtime, so it is always worth checking out. I would stay away from Founders if you can, their food is not near as good and the people are not as nice. The student lounge also has good snacks for a good price.
Dorm Life The rooms are a good size and no community bathrooms is a huge plus! Lincoln is quite noisy and the RA's are useless to do anything about all the yelling at 2 in the morning. Next year I will go to the quiet hall to hopefully be able to sleep better.
Academic Rigor The honors program is a bit odd, but you just have to give the teachers what they want, even if you do not believe a word of it. The classes so far are good. Some of the teachers seem like they do not want to be teaching at all. I have found some good ones though. The computer science department needs to stop having class at 9 pm!!!
Tips for prospective students Start the search early! Hit up those scholarships as well. College costs a lot and you need all you can get. I would give anything for some more aid, but I don't qualify for a lot sadly. So search early and often!
In three sentences So far okay overall. Probably nothing could be much better.
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Christina from Chicago Heights, IL
01/19/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
21 of 23
Categories Comments Campus Safety I haven't had any problems since I've been living on campus. It seems pretty safe.
Greek Life This school is very dry on Greek life. UIS just voted last semester to bring black Greeks to the school. I am very excited!
Clubs and Activities I am planning on joining the Black Student Union and other clubs.
Bang for the buck This school is very expensive, but as other young adults would say college is an investment.
What to do for fun This is my first semester here, so I haven't gotten out as much.
Food and Dining I do not have a meal plan because I live in on campus apartments. The school does not require students who live in apartments to buy a meal plan.
Dorm Life I have never lived in a dorm. I came to UIS my junior year so I stay in the apartments with the upperclassman's.
Tips for prospective students Please do your research before coming to the University of Illinois at Springfield. As a college student, please make sure you can afford the tuition. Make sure you are investing your money into a school that you love.
In three sentences I would give the University of Illinois an 8. My major is social work and the teachers in the social work department are wonderful and hands on with the students.
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George
01/29/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
22 of 23
Categories Comments Bang for the buck It has the cheapest U of I degree and the class size is small so that is a BIG plus. :)
Food and Dining The food is pretty good, but buttery. Here you can order from a set menu and they will make it up for you pretty quick! I like the different things they make everyday for the specials because ordering the same things can get tiring or boring after a few months.
Dorm Life It's really not as exciting as it is meant out to be. I guess you only make it as exciting or interesting as you want it to be. It is fun at times because you are living on a floor with people of the same age and interest, but for me personally i don't really enjoy it.
Academic Rigor The teacher's are pretty academically challenging. This is my freshman year, so I am mainly taking required courses, but I still get plenty of work. There is a strong sense of having class discussions with the teachers in all the classes I've taken so far.
Tips for prospective students Come for a campus tour. I am not sure if they have it, but perhaps an overnight schedule to see how you like the dorm life here. Also, you may want to consider becoming familiar with the city of Springfield, or any other town a college you are interested in.
In three sentences It has a nice, small campus. The class size is awesome because it is such a small campus. There is not much to do here though.
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From Illinois
04/16/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
23 of 23
Categories Comments Campus Safety The campus is very safe.
Greek Life This is basically nonexistent on campus but there is interest building so that could change quickly.
Clubs and Activities There is plenty to be involved with on campus and this is always changing. Students can create their own club or activity if they want to. There is always something that one can be participating in.
Great for these types of students Good for a small campus environment. The small population allows for more personal leadership opportunities or other opportunities in general.
Bang for the buck I think that the school is worth it for what you pay. It is considerably cheaper than some other in state schools but in some ways you are getting what you pay for. It is not a traditional college in many ways.
What to do for fun There are numerous restaurants and/or activities to do off campus. The life on campus isn't too exciting. Student Life does a nice job of trying to provide activities for students to participate in.
Food and Dining Food isn't that great. The cafeteria is a little costly for what it is, but the ala carte style of dining can be nice for some people.
Dorm Life Campus population itself is small. The dorms are nice, though. The suite style dorm set up works well.
Academic Rigor The class sizes are small and the professor are easy to get in contact with making coursework, projects, etc easy to complete and easy to get help on. Professors and Academic Professionals on campus are willing to help anyone.
Tips for prospective students -the campus has a small population of on campus students, most are commuters or online students. -it is in a more suburban setting, anything you want to do is within driving distance
In three sentences Overall friendly and welcoming environment on campus. UIS allows students to explore their interests and get a college experience without having to pay too much.
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